December 27, 2024

From championships to I Do’s: Athletes who sealed their forever in 2024

From championships to I Do’s: Athletes who sealed their forever in 2024
Athletes who sealed their commitments through engagements, weddings, and declarations of forever. | Art by Mitzi Solano/One Sports

2024 has been a year overflowing with love in the world of sports.

While players (in the sports sense of the word) have been racking up championships on the court, there's been just as much love off the court — from heartwarming fan support to the blossoming romances of athletes who said "yes" to forever, got engaged, or even hard-launched their relationships.

We've already covered the love stories from the first half of 2024.

[RELATED: Game Changers: Filipino athletes who said “yes” and “I do” in the name of love]

Now, before we dive into a brand new season of romance in 2025, let’s look back at the couples who made it official with engagements, weddings, and love declarations in the second half of 2024!


Athletes who said 'yes' in 2024:

Twice in a lifetime: Ray Parks and Zeinab Harake’s love story continues with two proposals

After a year full of love and unwavering respect, Japan B.League star Ray Parks knew it was time to take the next step. Surrounded by the soft glow of twinkling lights and their closest loved ones, he asked YouTube content creator Zeinab to marry him.

Under a starlit sky, with emotions running high, Ray’s heartfelt proposal filled the night with magic, sealing their bond in a moment they would never forget.

[READ: Arat na to Forever: Osaka Evessa’s Ray Parks Jr. is now engaged to YouTube vlogger, Zeinab Harake]

And just two months later, in the charming city of Nagoya, Zeinab returned the gesture, kneeling down to propose to Ray, reaffirming the depth of their love in the most beautiful way. Their love story isn’t just a chapter—it's an ever-expanding journey of joy and devotion.

[READ: Osaka Evessa’s Ray Parks and Zeinab Harake are now engaged … TWICE]


A sweet forever for Michele Gumabao and Aldo Panlilio

The wedding bells are ringing for Creamline Cool Smashers' star spiker, Michele Gumabao, as she announced her engagement to longtime partner, Aldo Panlilio.

After eight beautiful years together, their love story continues to blossom, as sweet and timeless as their bond.

[READ: To infinity and beyond: Creamline’s Michele Gumabao is now engaged to longtime partner Aldo Panlilio]


October surprise for Kiefer Ravena and Diana Mackey

What seemed like a simple Instagram hard launch turned into the ultimate plot twist for fans, as Kiefer Ravena and Diana Mackey announced they are now engaged.

Just days after celebrating his 31st birthday on October 27, the Japan B.League star shared the joyful news on Instagram.

The post captured a series of beautiful moments, with the final image featuring Diana’s hand adorned with a sparkling diamond ring, marking the beginning of their forever. 

[ALSO READ: Kiefer Ravena announces engagement to beauty queen Diana Mackey]


Chris Newsome and Cam Lagmay’s NEW spark of happiness

Meralco Bolts star Chris Newsome and beauty queen Cam Lagmay just knew they were the ONE for each other.

On November 11, 2024, at exactly 11:11, Chris proposed, igniting a moment of magic that perfectly symbolized their connection. Six years of deep love and unwavering faith have brought them to this milestone, ready to embrace a new and thrilling chapter together. 

[RELATED: Chris Newsome and Cam Lagmay’s engagement celebrated by PH sports community] 


FEU-rever is real for RJ Abarrientos and Arlove De Jesus

Though their paths first crossed at Far Eastern University, it wasn’t until later that Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s RJ Abarrientos and print ad and commercial model Arlove De Jesus realized they were meant to be. 

During a romantic getaway in El Nido, Palawan, RJ orchestrated the perfect proposal with a dinner illuminated by neon lights spelling "Will You Marry Me?"

Arlove said "Yes," and their journey into forever began. 

[READ: Ginebra's RJ Abarrientos now engaged to model Arlove De Jesus after dreamy Palawan proposal]

A perfect year-end: Michelle Cobb says 'yes' to Vito Sotto, Jheck Dionela to Alon Untalan in heartfelt proposals

After a year filled with both triumphs and challenges, including the Chargers’ unforgettable Finals appearance in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference, Michelle Cobb is wrapping up the year in the most romantic way. 

In their seventh year together, she said “yes” to her beloved Vito Sotto during an intimate proposal, surrounded by the warmth of family and close friends--as posted on December 19.

[READ: Perfect year-ender: Michelle Cobb gets engaged with long-time boyfriend Vito Sotto]

After Christmas, Farm Fresh Foxies libero Jheck Dionela shared she is stepping into a beautiful new chapter, saying "yes" to her soulmate, Alon Untalan. 

In a magical moment, complete with candles, rose petals, and a backdrop that read "Will You Marry Me?" Dionela embraced the love they've shared for over six years, now promising forever. 

[READ: New beginnings: Farm Fresh’s Jheck Dionela announces engagement to longtime boyfriend]

Next, we’ll take a look at the athletes who took the next step and made it official with weddings in the latter part of 2024. 


Athletes who walked down the aisle this year:

Green with love: Noel Kampton begins a new season of life with marriage and fatherhood

DLSU Green Spikers’ Noel Kampton has embarked on a new chapter of his life--filled with love, passion, and purpose--as he married his beautiful wife, Abbe, and welcomed their first child, Leon.

The DLSU star shared the joyous news of his wedding on Instagram, with a heartfelt caption that radiated pride and happiness, simply saying, “Mr. and Mrs. Kampton.” 

His words reflect the deep love and excitement as he begins this new season with his growing family.

[ALSO READ: What’s new with Kampton: La Salle's Noel Kampton shares exciting updates on marriage and a baby boy on the way]


A sun-kissed union: Des Clemente’s glowing new chapter

The sun shines even brighter for Capital1 Solar Spikers' Des Clemente, who glowed with happiness as she walked down the aisle just a week after being named Best Middle Blocker at the PVL Reinforced Conference.

After getting engaged last December, Des and her loving husband, Lance, chose to tie the knot in September, marking the beginning of their beautiful journey together. 

The special day was made even more memorable with Capital1's Rovena Instrella, Choco Mucho's Des Cheng, and Akari Chargers' Grethcel Soltones by Des' side as bridesmaids, sharing in the warmth of her love and joy.

[RELATED: Basking in Glory: Best Middle Blocker Des Clemente and her husband, Lance, shine brightly in their wedding day]


A Perfect Pairing: James Laput and Candace's Love Story soars

In a beautiful celebration of love, Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots’ James Laput has embarked on a new chapter with his soulmate, Candace.

In the enchanting serenity of a garden in Western Australia, amidst nature’s embrace, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows after nearly two years of engagement, marking the beginning of their forever. 

Just like a perfect pairing, their love is as timeless as the bond between the finest ingredients.

[ALSO READ: Tender and true: Magnolia’s James Laput and Candace celebrate their love in a beautiful wedding in Australia]


An Awesome Beginning for Roselyn Doria and Jick Aquino

After an unforgettable engagement last September, Cignal HD Spikers' Roselyn Doria and her husband, Jick Aquino, have now sealed their love story with a beautiful December wedding, ending the year with a bang. 

[READ: 28 and Forever: Roselyn Doria’s wish comes true with a ‘Yes’ to her boyfriend on her 28th birthday]

Radiant in a white off-shoulder gown, Roselyn walked down the aisle at the Manaoag Church in Pangasinan, ready to begin their new chapter together. 

Surrounded by family, friends, and her supportive HD Spikers teammates, the celebration was a perfect reflection of the awesome love they share—marking the end of the year with joy, love, and a new beginning.

[ALSO READ: Blooming with love: Cignal’s Roselyn Doria and husband Jick begin their awesome forever]

While these athletes have already made their love official through engagements, let’s take a moment to highlight the athletes who hard-launched their relationships in 2024. These couples may not be engaged or married yet, but they’ve made their love public in a big way—showing the world just how strong their connection is.


Athletes who hard-launched their relationship:

Thea Gagate and Sean Alter are finally official

Former DLSU Lady Spikers and now ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles star Thea Gagate said goodbye to singlehood as she stepped into a new chapter of love with UP Fighting Maroons’ towering big man, Sean Alter. No more soft launches—Thea was ready to let the world in on her beautiful relationship.

In a heartfelt Instagram story, the 6-foot-2 middle blocker wished her 6-foot-8 giant, Sean, a warm "Happy Birthday," officially revealing the man who became her ultimate source of joy and motivation.

[READ: 'Bye, Mingyu': DLSU tower Thea Gagate hard launches her boyfriend and UP standout, Sean Alter]


A Bold Green Love with Gelo Vito and Julia Coronel

Strength and conditioning coach Gelo Vito and new Galeries Tower Highriser Julia Coronel have shared their love story with the world, marking their first anniversary with a heartfelt, hard launch on Instagram.

While many have embraced the subtlety of soft launches, Julia, the former DLSU Lady Spikers' captain, and Gelo chose to make their love known in a grand and beautiful way, proving that some love stories deserve to be celebrated loudly.

[READ: Green hearts aligned: Galeries Tower's Julia Coronel hard launches relationship with Gelo Vito on their first anniversary]

As we look back at the latter part of 2024, it’s clear that love has been a powerful force in the lives of athletes both on and off the court. 

From engagements and weddings to hard-launching relationships, these athletes have shown that true love knows no bounds. 

As we step into 2025, let’s continue to celebrate not just their athletic prowess but the love that fuels their lives, making this year one of the most unforgettable yet. 

The sports world is not only about wins and losses—it’s also about the victories in love that remind us of the heart behind the game.

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